iHeartMedia Announces Inspirational Podcast Series Celebrating Black Culture and the HBCU community

“iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration” to feature conversations from Rick Ross, Daymond John, Angel Rich, Gizelle Bryant, Will Lucas, Nick Cannon and more

Listen to the first episode HERE

NEW YORK – November 3, 2021 -- iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, announced today the launch of “iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration,” presented by Hyundai. The special four-episode podcast series will celebrate Black culture and the passionate alumni community of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The first episode of the podcast series launches today with new episodes dropping every other Wednesday on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listeners can hear the first episode HERE.

iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration” will feature conversations that educate, inspire and celebrate the HBCU experience through intimate conversations with iHeartRadio’s most popular and prolific Black personalities, experts and celebrity guests covering topics important to the Black community as well as distinguished HBCU alumni. The debut episode, titled Black & Tech, will discuss the need for more Black representation in the tech industry, how to bring overall awareness of tech implications to HBCUs and the Black community as well as advice to HBCU students that aspire to work in tech one day. The episode will feature insightful discussions from business experts and entrepreneurs Will Lucas, Brand Manager for AfroTech and host of “Black Tech Green Money,” and Morgan Debuan, Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc. This fireside chat will be moderated by social influencer, digital media veteran and iHeartRadio’s very own marketing project manager, Jasmine Sweet.

“As an HBCU graduate, I know first-hand Historically Black Colleges and Universities have an unparalleled impact on our community and play a vital role in Black students’ success across the country,” said Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia. “These intimate conversations will help to educate, uplift and amplify the Black community and its aspiring young leaders, and we’re thrilled that these important voices will be able to reach millions of listeners through iHeart’s massive digital and broadcast reach.”

The biweekly limited series will also include:

Show Me The Money – (November 17) Moderated by Rashad Bilal, a skilled financial advisor and co-host of the hit podcast “Earn Your Leisure,” this episode will cover the basic principles of personal and business finance and will feature in-depth discussions with Founder, CEO of CreditRich and Hampton University alumni Angel Rich; respected educator and co-host of “Earn Your Leisure,” Troy Millings; and founder of FUBU and reoccurring Shark Tank investor Daymond John. The fireside chat will also explore ways that HBCUs can inspire and empower students with greater knowledge about digital currency, cryptocurrency, NFTs, the stock market, and more. In addition, they will share which college disciplines provide the best long term investment on post-graduation salary.

We Do This For The Culture – (December 1) This episode will recognize established and new Black culture creators that are dedicated to amplifying creative voices in the culture as well as building and growing platforms to connect and shape the overall view of Black culture. The discussion will include an array of topics, such as why it is vital to ensure that inclusivity and representation are displayed in all forms of media and the importance of having a strong Black lead. Listeners will hear insightful discussions on the topic from cultural game-changers including actor, comedian, television personality and Howard University alumni Nick Cannon (The Masked Singer, The Nick Cannon Show, Wild N’ Out); and rapper, songwriter, record executive and Albany State University alumni Rick Ross.

Black Girl Magic – (December 15) Moderated by on-air personality Angela Yee of the nationally syndicated morning show, “The Breakfast Club,” this special episode will be recorded as a virtual panel celebrating the beauty, power and resilience of Black women and honoring their many achievements. Fans can learn the pathway for young aspiring women of color to attend HBCUs and why Black women must lead the charge in politics, culture and society. Fans will also be able to video stream the virtual panel on iHeartRadio’s YouTube page beginning December 1. The panel will include Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomac, with more guests to be announced at a later date.

iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month. It consists of three business groups.

With its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. Its leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 860 live broadcast stations in over 160 markets nationwide; its National Sales organization; and the company’s live and virtual events business. It also includes Premiere Networks, the industry’s largest Networks business, with its Total Traffic and Weather Network (TTWN); and BIN: Black Information Network, the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service for the Black community. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio suite of data targeting and attribution products using data from its massive consumer base.

The iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group includes the company’s fast-growing podcasting business -- iHeartMedia is the number one podcast publisher in downloads, unique listeners, revenue and earnings -- as well as its industry-leading iHeartRadio digital service, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices; the company’s digital sites, newsletters, digital services and programs; its digital advertising technology companies; and its audio industry-leading social media footprint.

The company’s Audio & Media Services reportable segment includes Katz Media Group, the nation’s largest media representation company, and RCS, the world's leading provider of broadcast and webcast software.

Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.